Topical Encyclopedia
Definition and Concept:The term "follow through" refers to the act of completing a task or fulfilling a commitment with diligence and perseverance. In a biblical context, it involves adhering to God's commands, fulfilling vows, and maintaining faithfulness in one's spiritual journey. The concept is closely related to obedience, steadfastness, and faithfulness, which are highly valued in Scripture.
Biblical Examples:1.
Noah's Obedience: Noah exemplifies follow through by meticulously building the ark as God commanded, despite the ridicule and disbelief of those around him.
Genesis 6:22 states, "So Noah did everything precisely as God had commanded him." His commitment to follow through on God's instructions led to the preservation of his family and the animal species.
2.
Abraham's Faith: Abraham's willingness to sacrifice Isaac demonstrates his follow through in faith.
Hebrews 11:17-19 highlights his obedience: "By faith Abraham, when he was tested, offered up Isaac. He who had received the promises was ready to offer his one and only son." Abraham's follow through on God's command, even when it seemed contrary to the promise, exemplifies unwavering faith.
3.
Ruth's Loyalty: Ruth's dedication to Naomi is a profound example of follow through in relationships.
Ruth 1:16-17 records her commitment: "Where you go, I will go, and where you stay, I will stay. Your people will be my people, and your God will be my God." Ruth's steadfastness in her promise to Naomi led to her becoming part of the lineage of David and ultimately Jesus Christ.
4.
Paul's Ministry: The Apostle Paul is a model of follow through in ministry. Despite facing persecution, imprisonment, and hardship, Paul remained committed to spreading the Gospel. In
2 Timothy 4:7, he declares, "I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith." His perseverance in fulfilling his mission is a testament to his dedication to God's calling.
Theological Significance:1.
Obedience to God: Follow through is an expression of obedience to God. It reflects a heart that is willing to submit to God's will and commands, as seen in
Deuteronomy 5:32, "So be careful to do as the LORD your God has commanded you; you are not to turn aside to the right or to the left."
2.
Faithfulness in Commitment: The Bible emphasizes the importance of faithfulness in fulfilling commitments.
Ecclesiastes 5:4-5 warns, "When you make a vow to God, do not delay in fulfilling it. He has no pleasure in fools; fulfill your vow." Follow through is a demonstration of integrity and reliability in one's promises to God and others.
3.
Perseverance in Trials: Follow through often requires perseverance, especially in the face of trials and challenges.
James 1:12 encourages believers, "Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love Him."
4.
Spiritual Growth: Consistent follow through in spiritual disciplines such as prayer, study of Scripture, and fellowship contributes to spiritual growth and maturity.
Philippians 3:14 urges believers to "press on toward the goal to win the prize of God's heavenly calling in Christ Jesus."
Practical Application:1.
Commitment to God's Word: Believers are called to follow through on their commitment to study and apply God's Word in their lives.
Joshua 1:8 instructs, "This Book of the Law must not depart from your mouth; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it."
2.
Faithfulness in Relationships: Follow through in relationships involves keeping promises and being reliable.
Proverbs 20:6 observes, "Many a man proclaims his loving devotion, but who can find a trustworthy man?" Being faithful in relationships reflects God's faithfulness to us.
3.
Perseverance in Ministry: Those involved in ministry are encouraged to follow through with their calling, even when faced with difficulties.
Galatians 6:9 advises, "Let us not grow weary in well-doing, for in due time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up."
4.
Consistency in Prayer: Follow through in prayer is essential for a vibrant spiritual life.
1 Thessalonians 5:17 simply states, "Pray without ceasing." Consistent prayer reflects a heart that is continually seeking God's guidance and presence.
Topical Bible Verses
Psalm 34:17-20The righteous cry, and the LORD hears, and delivers them out of all their troubles.
Topicalbible.orgIsaiah 40:8
The grass wither, the flower fades: but the word of our God shall stand for ever.
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2 Timothy 3:16
All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:
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Titus 1:12
One of themselves, even a prophet of their own, said, The Cretians are always liars, evil beasts, slow bellies.
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Greek
3101. mathetes -- a disciple... properly, a ; a , a who they require; someone catechized with proper instruction
from the Bible with its necessary
follow-
through (life-applications).
...3877. parakoloutheo -- tofollow closely, to investigate
... from close-beside" and 190 , "follow") -- properly,follow closely, especiallythrough
a ;follow after closely to resemble (illustrate, play out) what leads....
1097. ginosko -- to come to know, recognize, perceive
... 1097 -- properly, , especiallythrough ( acquaintance... know" (absolutely) in a great
variety of applications and with many implications (asfollow, with others...
Strong's Hebrew
5921. al -- upon, above, over... with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications (as
follow) -- above,
according
... forth, out) of, (from) (off), (up-)on, over, than,
through(-out), to
...935. bo -- to come in, come, go in, go
... 1), took place (1), traversing (1), visit* (1), went (109), wentthrough (1... to) enter
(in, into, -tering, -trance, -try), be fallen, fetch, +follow, get, give...
Library
But we mustFollow Our Preacher, who Can Only Turn Away with...
... But we mustfollow our Preacher, who can only turn away with bitterness from... Do we
not recognize that he, too, was travelingthrough exactly the same scene as...
Letter xii. --After the Retreat.
... You cannotfollow the path of perfection in reality exceptthrough losses, abnegation,
despoilment, death to all things, complete annihilation, and unreserved...
A Knowledge of God
... From the stars that in their trackless coursesthrough spacefollow from age to
age their appointed path, down to the minutest atom, the things of nature obey...
Introduction
... That which will make it harder tofollow usthrough the present series is the fact
that we are here treating of the doctrinal side of truth, rather than the...
Sermon.
... primitive christians, and to all our christian friends, that are gone before us
to an eternal rest, if you faint not, butfollow them, whothrough faith and...
Personal Characteristics.
... Seasons of melancholy seemed tofollow him allthrough life, especially at the
beginning of the year, when he passed under review his life and work....
Morning Prayers.
... pray That He may keep methrough the day. All which for Jesus' sake, I say. Amen.
4. O help me, Lord, this day to be Thy own dear child andfollow Thee; And...
Shall we Go?
... from the throne comes the same eager cry He used when amongst us on earth, "Follow
Me." This is the one call, with many variations, that runsthrough the seven...
The First Kings.
... We cannotfollow Saulthrough all the achievements and crimes of his eventful reign;
the abandonment of him by the grieved and indignant Samuel; his deceptive...
The Hilltops --Experiences of Gladness and Glory
... our intercession in Christ's Name, the power comes from the Fatherthrough Christ
to us, and sothrough us. Our Lord Jesus is eager to have usfollow Him here...
Resources
If I convert to Christianity, my family will disown me, and I will be persecuted. Should I follow Jesus? | GotQuestions.orgWhy didn't Solomon follow his own advice on women? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does it mean to be devout? | GotQuestions.orgFollow: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
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